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The Gentleman's Deception

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Renowned actress Ruby Chadwick, The Darling of Drury Lane, has long planned and prepared for her final performance. With exceptional beauty comes the unwanted attention of men, and after years of fending off odious suitors, Ruby is ready to leave it all behind in favor of a quiet life. The first step is to reclaim a piece of her her true identity as Lavinia Fernley. But leaving town unnoticed proves impossible, and in one desperate moment, she embarks on the greatest act of her life when she throws herself into the arms of a stranger to avoid recognition.

Lucas Jennings is shocked to find the stunning redhead in his arms, but something moves him to play along with her ruse when she calls him her husband. This charade marks the start of an unpredictable journey as he escorts the lovely Lavinia and her traveling companions to Primrose Farm, far from the glaring lights of London. Soon, the tables are turned when Lucas introduces Lavinia to his family—as his fiancée. Before long, their mutual deception begins to feel all too real. But when the truth of her past is revealed, will Lavinia’s dream of a happy ending slip through her fingers?

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

29 people are currently reading
764 people want to read

About the author

Karen Tuft

13 books334 followers

Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU and graduated from the University of Utah in music theory, where she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.
In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger. She has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions along the Wasatch Front. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel whether it's by car, plane, or paperback.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,503 reviews328 followers
December 7, 2017
I love to read Regency romances and was delighted at the twists that I found in this story, as it's not typical. Lavinia is the great stage actress named Ruby. She desires to escape the stage and find her true self. I don't recall ever reading a story about a Regency actress before and was immediately captured.

I'm also a huge fan of fake relationships and this story provided more than one. Although Lavinia is alone in the world as far as family goes, she's got three faithful friends who provided much entertainment through their words and actions. I found them to be charming and hilarious and their dedication to Lavinia is endearing. Let's not forget the romantic relationship--gradual and sweet, with some sparks.

The plot is unwavering and marches on to a good pace. Through it all, Lucas is right there and wow, he's a keeper for sure. I love how gentlemanly he was, especially through the rough patches. This tall, dark, and handsome guy won me over too.

I loved it all from beginning to end and was utterly charmed.

Content: mild romance (very vague innuendo)

*I received a copy to review, which didn't influence my thoughts and opinions in any way*
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,159 reviews703 followers
September 5, 2020
I really loved The Earl's Betrothal and when I saw Ms. Tuft had written another regency I was SO excited! And a bit nervous, I was hoping I'd like it as much as the first, but tried not to get my hope too high. Well, not to worry, The Gentleman's Deception was just as great as the first book!

I really enjoyed the plot with this one, Lavinia was raised in a traveling theater group. Acting is all she's ever known, but she dreams of leading a normal life. Getting to that normal life is a little trickier than Lavinia planned and with the unexpected help of Lucas Jennings she embarks on the greatest acting she's ever had to do.

Lavinia was a very likable character, you cant help rooting for her from the beginning. And Lucas was all that a hero should be! I loved these two together. I especially loved the way their story unfolded. Fun chemistry, but I loved the friendship they had. I loved the supporting cast, Lucas' family and Laviania motely crew.

Overall, this is a very charming and fun story. Well paced and kept me turning the pages eager to see how things would unfold. I really hope Ms. Tuft continues to write regencies, she really has a knack for it!

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None - very mild
Religious: None
Source: Netgalley

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Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews582 followers
May 21, 2020
While this is one of my favorite genres to read- Regency romance, I haven't read many with an actress as the main character, so I was intrigued to learn more about the details of that life. I found it interesting that Lavinia had to "escape" to a new life that is more respectable in order to keep men from pursuing her. I enjoyed her character and her relationship with Lucas, even though their deception provided conflict and uncertainty. The cast of supporting characters rounded out the story and it was fun to see how everything worked out in the end. Recommend to fans of Regency romance and sweet romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews240 followers
February 5, 2018
Fake husband, fake fiances, fake identities, fake charades...true characters, true friendships, true hearts, true love.

Oh, how I loved this book. Such a fun group of characters who find themselves stuck in a charade when all they want to do is be free of charades. When the heart has been taught not to trust though, it is going to take a lot of courage, friendship, a true gentleman and love to help heal those wounds.

Right from the beginning, the stage is set, the players introduced and I was a happy and willing spectator watching it all unfold before my eyes. Ruby is a spitfire, a larger than life character and she was so fun to watch perform her roles from the beginning and to have her true character and heart revealed. She was a truly great character to read about. A true friend who is very loyal to those who have watched over and protected her since childhood. Her friends are great comical relief throughout the book and just all around splendid characters. I would love to find myself on a carriage ride with them, or better yet, having an afternoon out on the lawn participating in their antics.

Delia, Artie and Hannah have watched over Lavinia since she was little. They have stuck close to her side protecting her as she took on the persona of Ruby, and will not leave her side, they will always protect her. Every time they started to talk, I couldn't help but sit on the edge of my seat waiting for some blunder to come out of Artie's mouth to reveal their identities. Or anticipating something truly fun, honest and humorous to be shared. Delia was a gem, a funny gem. And a very sneaky one too. She wasn't as abrupt as Artie was and I loved trying to guess what she was up to and what trick she was going to play next.

Lucas was a true gent. He had many unresolved pains from his past that were haunting him. He kept putting off the inevitable or returning home to his family after fighting in the war in Spain for 7 years. He can't save face if he does. He has nothing to show for his life except pain and the memories of war. When he returns home, he will feel like a failure around all his siblings who are thriving in their life choices.

A crowded inn, danger, hidden identity, an impetuous decision, a recognition. All these things send Lavinia running into the arms of the tall man in the corner. With a prayer in her heart she just reacts without truly considering the consequences except to protect herself. Landing in Lucas' arms and declaring him her husband seemed like a great idea in the moment. But once she realizes what all the repercussions could be she is unsure of her choice. But she must play it out if she is going to survive and be able to hide away from all of London.

Once started, a deception is hard to cover up and as it keeps on, there must be more deception and cover up, causing a tangled web of deceit. How far must Lavinia and Lucas go into this web to protect all hearts at stake?

Such a fun book about friendships, familial relationships, and discovering true love. One I am definitely going to be rereading and recommending to friends. It will probably find its own special spot on my bookshelf at home. The author has another book, The Earl's Betrothal, that is about Lucas' friend from the war and takes place before this book does.

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
December 8, 2017
Regency romance is a fun genre and one of my favorites- especially when it's a bit off the beaten path like this one is. I've never read a regency that places the main character in the role of a stage performer and it made this story all the more intriguing.

The deceptions that fill this book will have your head spinning. It seems like everyone, at some point or another, is part of some sort of ruse. Some more than others! It's nuts. And then it blows up!

I felt like the first half of the book was a bit slow in pacing but the last half more than made up for it. I loved the ending and I loved Lucas. What a kind gentleman. I also loved watching Lavinia come back to herself. Oh! and one more love. The cover! It's so pretty!

If you love regency romance, you should definitely give this one a look.

Content: mild peril, kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly.
712 reviews60 followers
December 7, 2017
Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive! That quote comes to mind with this book. There are so many lies, half truths, omissions from these characters that I got whiplash! Hehe!

Lavinia Fernley, aka The Darling of Drury Lane, aka Ruby Chadwick is an actress. She is extremely beautiful. She has too many men after her and not to congratulate her for her performance on stage. Lavinia does not trust men. On her last performance the earl of Cosgrove makes a bold move and escorts her home. She is terrified but tries to keep it together and be brave and steadfast. He just wants her for affairs. He is also married and tells her she will never be married so just enjoy it. That night was also the night that Ruby left acting and Lavinia was reborn. She ran off with Hannah her nurse since she was a child and the elderly Artie and Delia, who are her faithful companions and long time actors to hopefully live peacefully on a farm that she inherited from her great aunt.

That night didn’t start off very well. The Earl has spies who look out for him and while she is waiting for her friends at the Inn she thinks sees one of them. Although she is in heavy makeup and baggy clothes she can not hide her fire red hair. She tries to tuck it up but pieces come loose. When she sees this man, she also sees Lucas Jennings sitting alone. She runs to him and says “husband” aloud and jumps to him and hugs him. Lucas believes she is in trouble so he decides to play along.

Lucas has been fighting in Spain and has taken his time returning home as he has no profession or skill and no wife or money. But he is of noble blood but not first born son. He is a good man and honorable. He is intimidating to look at with his over 6 foot height and large build. He realizes that she is in need of help after so many things go wrong for Lavinia and escorts her and her companions to her farm. The farm is in terrible condition and not habitable or currently a working farm so Lucas impulsively invites them to stay at his home while they figure out a plan for the farm.

During their travels Lucas begins to fall for the beautiful woman that eventually he sees without the disguise. She also begins to trust him. Lavinia has not told Lucas much about herself and definitely hides that they are actors (except Hannah). Lucas figures out most of it.

So when they arrive at his home, he impulsively without any forethought blurts out that Lavinia is his betrothed. Now his companions play along with him. It is just one mess after another. The reason why he chose to lie, well you will need to read the book to find out.

The lies and omissions and other little stories within the story make this book so enjoyable and different than most books from this era. I love how big Lucas’s family is and how they are all into each others business and when things start to blow up at home and the truth comes out, I was laughing at his family’s reactions! I love his familiy! I didn’t expect things to go the direction that it did when the truth comes out. You really have to read this adorable book and fall in love with all the characters in the book, well except for the Earl of Cosgrove!

If you love large families, evil men, honorable men, veterans, climbing trees, acting, storytelling to children, finding love, farming, talking out problems with your family, nosy family members, laughter, then this might be for you!
Profile Image for Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves.
1,459 reviews18 followers
May 8, 2020
3.35* rounded up.
And after some getting used to, I liked the narration by Luone Ingram.

*Major Spoilers*A sweet and gently advanced romance between an extraordinarily beautiful ex-actress and a solemn, gentlemanly ex-soldier. It begins when the 'darling of the Drury Lane, Ruby Chadwick' has had enough of fame and infamy and decides she has enough stacked away to do a sudden vanishing act and retire to a farm in the country (Lincolnshire) that she's recently and quite fortuitously inherited. So, after a final act she calmly disguises herself and flees her many admirers, would-be protectors and her manager into the night and runs smack into the H. Or rather, she enters an Inn on the outskirts of London where, despite her disguise, one of a group of drunken young bucks seems to recognize her and she throws herself in the arms of a tall, strong gentleman loudly proclaiming him her husband and tells him to take her to their room and he, after a stunned moment plays along.
So, begins this mild deception that begets few more.

The h has few 'liabilities' in the form of two elderly ex-actors and a middle aged nurse , for whom she feels quite responsible and protective - in the ways of all true heroines. The H goes with them to the farm and after seeing its ramshackle condition invites the 'motley lot' to his parents' place while the repairs take place - just a few hours away. So, they all make way to Alderwood where it's the H who engenders a new ruse by unexpectedly introducing the h as his betrothed!
There's a story here as well. The H enlisted (rather than bought a commission) in the Army after his childhood sweetheart breaks his heat by marrying his elder brother, the heir. And he feels he's returning 'empty-handed' with nothing much to show for his years away from home and a beautiful fiancee will ward off any anticipated pity, and to show his faithless ex that he wasn't pining away!
And so begins deception #2.

By now, he's worked out that they are a group of actors and the h accedes as such but doesn't let on that she's the very infamous Ruby Chadwick. They both mutually admire each other and quite obviously fall for each other. Him, for her strength and courage and she, for his honor and true gentlemanliness.
The H has a huge family and each character plays a bit part in the unfolding romance and drama. The brother and the ex are redeemed, and explanations and forgiveness exchanged.
And the h's elderly 'relatives', Arty and Delia are buoyantly cute, sometimes overly so.

Now for the dissection.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,303 followers
January 25, 2018
Such a lovely story. I read a lot of Regency romance and this one was very original. Definitely not the usual balls and stuff like that.

Lucas and Lavinia were great main characters, and I loved to see how their relationship progressed from something convenient to them, to something they didn't expect.
The secondary characters were a great addition, Lavinia's little group and Lucas' family.
Beautiful ending.
Highly recommend.

I received an e-copy from NetGalley which did not influence my opinion.
Profile Image for Tressa (Wishful Endings).
1,829 reviews193 followers
December 7, 2017
THE GENTLEMAN'S DECEPTION is a story full of quirky characters, a darling damsel in distress, and the dashing hero who comes to her aid. Full of humor and sweet moments as they fall in love with these characters, is sure to charm readers. Recommended to historical romance readers who like their stories sweet with some fun twists.

These characters were so much fun! Between Lavinia's friends and Lucas's family, there is quite a range of characters and throwing them all together just livens things up. Of course, my favorite characters were Lavinia and Lucas. I loved their strength—Lavinia's determination and brilliance in the face of men who would only use or hurt her and her desire to find a safe place for her and her friends to retire and Lucas's equally stoic stance on helping Lavinia and her friends and being honorable. They were an ideal pair with plenty of sweet moments as they both begin to trust each other and open their hearts.

I did think some parts could have been developed slightly more. It seems like Lucas's brother got off rather easily for the disaster he caused. I also thought the shock towards the end and the reconciliation could have actually been stretched out more to allow a little more depth to the characters and story. Regardless, these were minor and I still enjoyed the story immensely.

In the end, was it what I wished for? An enjoyable Regency romance with quirky characters, a little adventure, and sweet romance that was fun to read. I'm looking forward to seeing what Tuft writes next!

Content: Some innuendo, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews206 followers
December 15, 2017
When you have a group of actors and a gentleman get together, anything can happen. In some aspects this book played out like a theatrical performance, you never knew who was waiting in the wings ready to descend and create a little chaos.

I loved the characters, particularly the overacting thespians. Delia and Artie stole the show in many scenes. They didn't know how to act like normal people, the theater ran in their blood and was second nature to them. I loved their antics!

Lavinia is a noble woman, in spite of being an actress. She has a high moral standard and didn't fit the mold of an actor. She had an alter personality, that of Ruby Chadwick. Whatever situation she was thrown in, she easily put on the character and performed admirably. Lucas is a good man. He wasn't my favorite character in the book, but I did love how he cared about the people around him. He freely gave of himself to friends and family without strings attached.

This book is full of humor, embarrassing situations, chaos, and noble people found in the nobility. I would suggest this book for anyone who loves regency romance.

Source: I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,542 reviews270 followers
January 30, 2018
This was a fun story. It started out a little odd but came out swinging. It was a fun story with some good characters. Tuft is a good author and I have enjoyed her regency books. I love a good regency series and it looks like there will be more to come. Susan's story should be a fun one. I like an author that can keep you engaged and wanting more. This is clean with some talk of prostitution.
Profile Image for Amy.
685 reviews41 followers
January 23, 2018
Awwwwwwwwww!!! *sigh* I loved this book, and to tell you the truth it was a pleasant surprise. Not that I had any doubt in Karen Tuft's spectacular writing, but the plot wasn't something I thought I'd overly care for. I love this kind of historical drama. Set in my homeland. Honour & loyalty beat out despair and hopelessness. The idea behind it has been done many times - random unwitting member of the gentry, comes to the aid of helpless female in dire need of protection or other such assistance. Pretend marriage or acquaintance - fall in love. However the way in which this was achieved was spectacular & unique. I was engaged from the very first page and could not put this book down.

It's always hard to do it justice, without over playing it in order for another reader to not approach it with overly high expectations. Sometimes I wonder if that's the beauty of a good book. There is magic in the unknown.

Leading an absurd group of travelers is Lavinia Fernley, who was for many years the infamous Ruby Chadwick - The Darling of Drury Lane. She hails from the Theatre District of London, and her talent and unique beauty (namely stunning and rare head of red hair) has propelled her into celebrity status. Pursued by a multitude of men for years, including the awful Earl of Cosgrove, who has outdone them all and is insistent she become his mistress. Celebrity is not what it is today, back then it was something the aristocracy of England cared little outside of the theatre where it belonged, and certainly did not run in their illustrious social circles.

Lavinia is repulsed by the unsolicited attentions of the men that she is subjected to. Has been her whole life. Her little band of misfits have stuck together to support each other and now they are planning an escape out of London. Will she be able to blow Cosgrove off her scent?

Lucas Jennings is a younger son of a Viscount and after 7 years of fighting for his country in Spain, he is back on English soil and preparing to return to his family seat of Alderwood, Lincolnshire. It may have been years, but has it been enough time to heal his heart? Broken by his childhood sweetheart who up and married his eldest brother, the one that receives the title and the estate, mere months after his departure to Cambridge. As he sits pondering this in the White Horse Inn, north of London -a mysterious middle aged woman launches herself at him, declaring him to be her husband!

This is a clear 5 star recommendation from me. Clean, beautiful love story of finding healing and trust, this definitely goes to the top of my list for 2018. (Yes, I know we are only in January, but I've read enough to know pure quality when I find it!)

Thanks to Netgalley & Covenant Communications for the eARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,468 reviews110 followers
March 8, 2018
What a fun book this was to read. Ruby Chadwick, The Darling of Drury Lane, wants to retire from the spotlight. She's tired of pretending to be someone else, and fending off the advances of men who don't really care about her (Lavinia Fernley), just Ruby the actress. She hatches a plan to sneak out of town after her latest show but she gets separated from her three friends (Delia, Artie and Hannah) because they go to the wrong inn where they're to spend the night. This leads to her literally running into Lucas Jennings' arms, to avoid some friends of lord Cosgrove, and telling him to pretend to be her husband!! This is only the beginning of this fun Regency romance.

Lavinia and Lucas get to know each other on their way to the farm where she and her friends are going to live, but when they get to the farm it's not at all what Lavinia had pictured in her mind. Lucas, ever the gentleman, can't leave her and her three elderly friends in the uninhabitable house, so he invites them to stay at his family's home, where he unexpectedly introduces Lavinia as his fiancée!! Ever the actress Lavinia plays along. Of course the truth eventually comes out, but it all works out in the end for everyone.

I thought this was a delightful read. Lavinia's "friends" are the only family she has left--Hannah was her nursemaid and helped keep her from the ugly side of the acting world while she grew up. Delia and Artie are long-time actors she's known since she was a child. Delia and Artie have their idiosyncrasies which I found brought humor to the story. They've been actors so long it's almost like they can't turn it off and be normal people.

I liked both of the main characters--Lavinia and Lucas. You can see Lavinia and Lucas falling in love with each other on the journey. They each have issues to overcome--she had a different upbringing since her father was an actor and she followed in his footsteps, and Lucas isn't the oldest son so he isn't titled so he chose to join the military. He's just returning home after years of being away. He feels he doesn't have much to offer a wife since he has no title, and no source of income since he's left the military.

This book has a lot of heart and quite a few laughs. It's definitely a clean romance. Karen Tuft is a new author to me but I think I'll be reading other books by her. Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy. All thoughts in my review are my own.
Profile Image for Shash.
473 reviews
January 30, 2019
This is a wonderful and unique regency story! I loved Lavinia and her fight to be truly free. She is strong and courageous, but the world has taught her not to trust. I loved watching as she opened her heart to Lucas. He is the perfect example of a gentleman. He truly respected Lavinia and was so caring and tender with her. So many swoony moments!
Profile Image for Tamara.
899 reviews11 followers
June 8, 2022
Livinia is looking to leave the theatre, the character Ruby Chadwick she has created and made famous in London. She has an inheritance she would like to claim with her friends, Artie, Delia, and Hannah. And that is where the deception begins and when she meets Lucas Jennings and proclaims him to pretend to be her husband. At first, Lucas is looking to delay going back home, so he goes with the ruse not fully understanding what is going on. After seeing her inheritance and being disappointed in what is not what she was expecting, Lucas unexpectedly continues the deception when he announces to his family, to Livvy's surprise that she is his betrothed, and it's a bit of a surprise to Lucas as well.

This made me smile and I really like the feeling of family that was demonstrated throughout this story.
Profile Image for Heidi.
349 reviews73 followers
January 5, 2019
Well written and thoroughly entertaining

I really enjoyed this clean regency romance. I felt it was well written and the characters jumped right out of the pages. Beautiful sweet little escape. I'm excited to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Lori.
171 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2019
This book is so much fun and will put a big smile on your face!
Profile Image for Lara.
63 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2023
I did enjoy this book though not as much as the others.

I’m a bit crazed for historical romance so pretty much always enjoy them but I will say this book got better in the the latter off. There are two narrators that have done Karen Tufts audiobooks and the other I enjoy more than the one who did this book.

I will say the other thing that did detract a bit from this book was I was thinking of another in the series (Jennings family) that I already read. This other book “the duke meets his match” was a 5 star and vastly preferred it to this. I think because the heroine was so smart and less mainstream seeming and it has enemies to lovers vibes which I love 😅 so in summary this book falls in the middle.

Going to read the last Jennings family book next that takes place at the same time as the one I enjoyed so much and has the better narrator.

Then there’s still two more books to read in the same world- one that has an audiobook and one I got on my kindle.

Lucas was very sweet and would have loved more from his army days.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,527 reviews31 followers
August 24, 2021
Enjoyable, if not especially believable. I think I was supposed to find them funny and charming, but instead I was rather annoyed by Delia and Artie who seemed to be fools right out of the Shakespeare they were so fond of quoting rather than real people. I was quite disturbed that even among that family the men took one look at Lavinia who was clothed in the same fashion as their wives, mother and sisters and without knowing her background decided that she was not a respectable female it seemed quite off. I could understand it if she had been dressed or acted differently but could make no sense of it on looks alone. However, I liked both Lavinia and Lucas and their motivations and emotions are well portrayed, and the Jennings family on the whole are kind, fun and likeable.
Profile Image for Christina.
799 reviews33 followers
August 22, 2018
This book was a great regency romance. I enjoyed the way our two main characters found each other, first with one deception, then another.

Parts of the story brought to life harsh facts of the time period. It made me very grateful for my rights as a woman in this day and age.

The supporting characters were quite hilarious, and I loved the way they were family to our protagonist.

The romance was sweet and despite all the mishaps and misunderstandings I really enjoyed the happily ever after ending.
Profile Image for Daphne.
1,044 reviews18 followers
October 4, 2023
DNF @ 75%
I was already not enjoying it, but the terribly written 'clearing-the-air' scene between Lucas, his brother, and Isobel put me over the edge. The characters, romance, and writing were all pretty bad. I seriously wonder if all the other reviewers are on crack cause there's no way this book should have this high of a rating.
Profile Image for Leslie Books and Socks Rock.
893 reviews22 followers
March 1, 2018
This was a fun book, different take on a regency romance. It was predictable but I loved it! And this is a new author for me, I'll need to look into her other books.
Profile Image for LAWonder10.
953 reviews739 followers
December 6, 2017
Finally, Ruby Chadwick will no longer exist!

As Lavinia was making her escape, things did not go as plan. Her cohorts were not at he planned destination.

Oh, No! One of the Earl of Cosgroves minions was there and, even through her disguise, recognized her! Desperate, she threw herself at one lone man, in deep thought, sprawled at a table across the room. She declared him her awaited for husband. He looked at her but before he could show his surprise, he saw the pleading look in her eyes so played along.

He persuaded the other man to treat his "wife" with more respect than to gawk at her and they went upstairs to his room. He soon realized the other man wasn''t leaving the hotel, realizing he had put himself in a very compromising situation.

As a gentleman, he slept on the floor and escorted the "lady" to her companions the next day. They were anxiously awaiting their "lady"...having gone to the wrong hotel.

When assessing the situation and realizing they were going the direction he was, Lucas decided it it wise to accompany them...and perhaps get some answers.

As the journey moved forward, even more adventures began!

This is a wonderful book in realizing how appearance can be so misleading, how often others' judgments can ruin lives or force one to be what he/she would not otherwise be, and of self-respect and endurance.

The Cover was attractive and nice but not really portraying the content of the story. The Title was okay but not totally depicting the tale. It can be misleading.

The characters are very well-developed and become very "real". The scenes are well portrayed.

The beginning felt slightly awkward but soon the 'flow' went well throughout the rest of the tale.

I Give it a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This book was gifted to me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,951 reviews69 followers
December 7, 2017
This book is such a hoot! I loved the whole plot line, it's a Regency Romance with a twist. The heroine is...gasp...an actress. How shocking! I loved that part of it!

The heroine of this book is Ruby Chadwick or Lavinia Fernley, whichever way you prefer to see her. Lavinia has been living under the assumed name of Ruby Chadwick. Her father died, leaving her with no funds and in order to keep herself and her maid/friend Hannah alive, she's been working in the theater. That's all about to end though, Lavinia is escaping to a whole new life in the country and leaving Ruby to die a sudden and not at all painful death...at least that's the hope.

I loved the scene where Lavinia meets Lucas. It's so funny. Lavinia is trying to escape those who know her as Ruby, in costume. But she spots someone who obviously recognizes her, so she does the first thing she can think of. She jumps into the nearest trustworthy looking man's arms and declares him to be her husband. So improper at this period of time, yet so funny!

I love Lucas. He really is trustworthy. He has so many opportunities to take Lavinia's good character away, but that's not in his character. He goes way out of his way to help her. But, as with all deception, the two of them are bound to be found out, but that's just part of the fun of this book!

This one has a great plot, great characters and a great setting! I loved everything about it!
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
August 6, 2018
Lavinia Fernley is leaving the stage and her life as Ruby Chadwick behind her. She is traveling with her loyal friends who have become her family: Hannah, her grumpy and protective nurse maid, and Artie and Delia, two older thespians who worked with her dad. Hannah, Delia and Artie all have Lavinia's best interests at heart - but they show it in very different (and often entertaining) ways!

Lucas Jennings has been away from home for 7 years fighting in a war and is reluctant to return home to his amazing family with little to show for himself. So when a beautiful woman throws herself into his arms and pretends he is her husband, he plays along. Delaying his return home a few more days and spending time with a beautiful woman seems like the perfect diversion. So he escorts them to her new farm that she has inherited. When her inheritance isn't quite what she expected, he realizes that they will need the help of his family after all.

Content: Clean
Profile Image for Heidi.
2,892 reviews66 followers
December 7, 2017
Having read Tuft's The Earl's Betrothal and loving it, I was eager to get my hands on this new book of her's. And it turns out this one is related to that one. Lucas was a friend of the main character in the other book. I found it delightful to return to a character already known. And like the other book, this one also has a rather unusual story line.


Lucas Jennings has bid adieu to his friend the Earl of Halford and is reluctantly making his way home. Reluctantly, because he must face the woman he loved who married his brother, and the rest of his family without anything to show for the last seven years. He does not at all expect a strange woman to throw herself into his arms and claim him as her husband. Yet that is exactly what happens. As he comes to know the beautiful Lavinia, he wonders if he's found his path after all. At the very least, he's found a way to postpone going home. But Lavinia is on the run from her past as a famous actress and isn't really prepared for what she finds at Primrose Farm, the property she has inherited.

The witty banter between Lavinia and her friends added much to the book as Lavinia has to relearn how to be herself and how to trust. Lucas makes for an honorable hero that I couldn't help but cheer for in his efforts to help Lavinia open up about her past. Tuft has written another engaging, enjoyable regency romance.
Profile Image for Anne Osterlund.
Author 5 books5,391 followers
January 10, 2025
Our heroine is an actress. After her father's death, she invents a new persona and wrangles her own living via performing in the London theater scene in breeches. (Gasp! Horror!) But having likewise acquired a threatening suitor, she determines to flee London and go back to being Lavinia. If she can remember who that is.

Our hero is a seven-year veteran of the war in Spain. Back in England, Lucas . . . puts off going home as long as he possibly can, both afraid of confronting the former sweetheart who married his brother and of admitting that he has returned home with nothing.

Both Lavinia and Lucas have a casual relationship with the truth. And this is how they both wind up heading out of London and kind of, sort of "home" together.


I quite liked this one. The heroine is quirky. (Her fellow former theatrical troupe members even quirkier). When it comes to his family, the hero is admittedly a coward. And his family members are capable of change.
33 reviews21 followers
March 2, 2018
“The Gentleman’s Deception,” by Karen Tuft is a fun read. Lavinia Fernley want to end her stage career as Ruby Chadwick and live a simple life in the country as Lavinia not Ruby. As she’s trying to leave London she requires the help of Lucas Jennings. Soon enough they both need help from the other to keep up their deceptions. Will they succeed? I enjoyed this book a lot because of the characters in it. Mainly Lucas and Lavinia because they both struggled with things in life that most people struggle with. It wasn’t the type of internal struggling that none of us experience, and that made more real and a better book. Another reason that this book was good was because it had direction. The author knew she wanted to go and how to get there. It didn’t have little tangens going everywhere, when there could have been with Lucas’s brothers. I know other books that they stop following the main characters story and follow the siblings or other characters and this book didn’t do that. There were also great supporting characters in the book. The servants for Lavinia were well written supporting characters. They all had a certain way they talked and acted. That made the book more entertaining because you would read about several good characters, that weren’t just the main characters. Another reason it was a good read for me was that it had a good moral and theme to it. What I did not like however was that some chapters or pages had a lot more potential than what was actually written. I think that the theme of this book is that people have the ability to be kind even in the hardest of times. An example of this is how the main characters interact with each other. Even when they were still dealing with their own problems and struggling through them they were still kind to others around them and helped out other through trusting one another or doing simple kind things.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,008 reviews8 followers
January 19, 2023
I listened to this while driving and it kept me thoroughly entertained!
Lavinia has lived her life as Ruby, the Darling of Drury Lane. She is ready to quit the stage and live a normal life of a farm in Lincolnshire. And she is bringing some of her acting friends along. Until she has to pretend to be engaged to Lucas, who is on his way home to Lincolnshire from London after fighting on the continent for the past seven years.

This was a super quick read and I loved the thespians. (They totally reminded me of the group of thespians from A Bug's Life! The plot is completely different, but their comments and quotes made me laugh out loud! So dramatic!)
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